THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Portsmouth - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Portsmouth

Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH - Portsmouth Attractions

Things to Do in Portsmouth


Top Attractions in Portsmouth

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • NHjo
    Saco, ME8,639 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited Portsmouth a few times during the holidays, and Market Square was very festive, with its large Christmas tree, wreath-decorated street lanterns, beautiful trimmed storefronts, and lots of seasonal activities.
    Written February 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NHjo
    Saco, ME8,639 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took a 'self-guided' tour at Strawbery Banke -- you can stroll through the Museum grounds in late February but none of the houses and other structures are open unless it's a special event. We always enjoy looking at the historic architecture, especially the Goodwin House, the Daniel Webster House, and the supposedly haunted Chase House. The Museum's chicken coop had about 20-30 beautiful robust hens flocking about.
    Written March 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • janetg316
    Scarborough, ME5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I took my grandchildren ages 8 and 10 and we all loved it! They were fascinated touring the submarine; seeing where the crew slept, ate and worked. This is a self-guided tour which was great and very informative. We went on a rainy day, so no lines or waits. The museum is great too with a cute gift shop. Staff were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
    Written March 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ginger B R
    Oswego, NY279 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Portsmouth has several nice areas to walk around in. The gardens in this park were so well-manicured and such a delight to explore.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Russell W
    Maine2,109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Star Island walking tour aboard the Challenger is a nice trip. The Captain narrates going out and returning and he also provides a free, short walking tour once you're there. You have nice sites, historical scenes, and interesting general information. Bathrooms and food on board. Bench seating. Close to the highway exit and plenty of parking, though cars for each boat party are parked bumper to bumper so when you return you may have to wait for others to move before you can leave. Reserve online, or by phone, prior and get ticket once you arrive. Confirmations come via e-mail. Rain or Shine, but not during unsafe conditions. refunds and rebookings cheerfully given. You get about 40 minutes, after the walking tour, to explore on your own.
    Written August 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • egwanderlust
    Hampton, NH1,331 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful venue to catch a show. The acoustics are spectacular; you can hear the performer clearly, no matter where you are seated. The older architecture is stunning and the bathrooms are the cleanest and most elaborate design I have ever seen.

    Make sure to show up at least half an hour before any performance. Checking tickets was tedious and caused a backup in the bar area.
    Written January 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ginger B R
    Oswego, NY279 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love stuff like this.. sites that take you back to what life must have been like. This is a lovely house, the staff was so friendly. And my favorite part was walking around the gardens
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • William C
    37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a gem of a theater. We went on the insistence of my two daughters to go see "Natalia, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812." I had heard of this play but knew little about it. If you are unfamiliar with it, that is fine, it was fun to go and just see it. Let me say that it is colorful and different, and not told in a manner that you might consider conventional theater. The stage and the seating are small but in a good way, there is no bad seat, and the troupe does a lot of audience interaction so the set seems larger. First rate musical support as well. Again, if you do not know the story, it might be best just to go in, the actors and the action are mesmerizing (but again, not told in a traditional fashion). One thing I found interesting about the performance is I was not sure who my sympathies should be with or what I wanted to happen. There are a surprising amount of comedic moments which is a bit surprising in a play based on a story by the always comedic Leo Tolstoy, and the ending left me - not sure what to think. But it was a great theater, a great troupe, and they have a lot of interesting plays coming up. Check them out. I plan on going back. Oh do be careful with the parking. We paid in a lot online and still got ticketed, had to appeal and show them the online payment. From what I see of other reviewers, parking is tough in the neighborhood. .
    Written March 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tanya M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Genuine understanding of conservation and a stunning mica glistening wide boarded sprung ballroom/ music room to die for. Fantastic tour and easily the best historic house we saw in the region.
    Written October 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Resort19687500562
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    12/2023

    On December 5, 2023, my Significant Other, and I went to Portsmouth, N.H.
    We stayed 3 days, at the Hilton Hotel Downtown, which has a **(pet friendly) policy..
    It was a lovely facility.❣️
    Our main reason for attending, N.H. was to see the Musical/Play…
    ** The Sound of Music. 💗 Which was an outstanding Musical Performance. Performing on stage as actors and actresses from the Broadway Stage, Some of the most Spectacular Performances throughout the Show imaginable.
    While staying at the Hilton Downtown, which was less than a five minute walk to the Music Hall, we were also within walking distance to shopping and historical sites to see❣️ As well as quaint pubs, Coffee/Luncheon shoppes, having choices which were fairly priced.
    There was a variation of Menus throughout the downtown accommodating varieties of foods and diets with everything you could possibly want, or desire.
    We could not have been more pleased with the facilities at the Hilton, as well as the Staff from the Dining Room,, with a delicious Buffet, The helpful, and respectful Maintenance Gentleman, as well as the Service Desk.
    I highly recommend this vacation❣️
    My Significant Other and Myself highly recommend Historical Portsmith, New Hampshire, as one of your places to visit, any truly embrace.
    Thank you so much all those at the Hilton, as well as the Greeters and the Chaperones at the Portsmouth Musical Playhouse❣️🎄🎄(With an Elevator)
    I lived in the Southern New Hampshire region for over 30 years, and had enjoyed visiting Strawberry Bank in Portsmith occasionally, in the summer, but I had never stayed overnight, or had I attended the many Musical Playhouse activities.
    So this was an extremely pleasant surprise for myself.
    We will definitely becoming back & planning mini getaway trips like this again there in Various Seasons.
    Sincerely,
    Ms. Elaine Cookie Dimetri
    Southbridge, Ma
    Written December 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chimayred
    Durham, NH2,396 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    this place always had its foot on the next to top step of the ladder, but this time it stepped up to excellent. Beers were always good, but this visit they had about 5 lager type brews and they were EXCELLENT! But what is different is now they've expanded their menu; before I think they had basically sausage; now they have a new chef; there's pasta night and the pasta is good, the meatball is very good (and the size of a tennis ball); so instead of a being a brewpub with limited eats, now it is more of a full blown (although still with a slightly limited but solid menu) restaurant. And their beers have diversified with superior lager types.
    Written January 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NHjo
    Saco, ME8,639 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    St. John's Church is one of my favorite churches and landmarks in Portsmouth. I've yet to go inside, but one of these days! It's New Hampshire's first brick church, built in 1807.
    Written February 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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